Thin-layer chromatography

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Thin layer chromatography (TLC) is a chromatography technique used to separate mixtures.[1] Thin layer chromatography is performed on a sheet of glass, plastic, or aluminum foil, which is coated with a thin layer of adsorbent material, usually silica gel, aluminum oxide, or cellulose (blotter paper). This layer of adsorbent is known as the stationary phase.

After the sample has been applied on the plate, a solvent or solvent mixture (known as the mobile phase) is drawn up the plate via capillary action. Because different analytes ascend the TLC plate at different rates, separation is achieved.[2]

Thin layer chromatography scanner

A TLC scanner is an instrument used to detect and quantify the retardation factor of each spot by dividing the distance the product traveled from the initial spotting site by the distance the solvent front traveled from the initial spotting site.

References

  1. Laurence M. Harwood, Christopher J. Moody. Experimental organic chemistry: Principles and Practice (Illustrated edition ed.). pp. 159–173. ISBN 978-0632020171. 
  2. Vogel's Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry (5th Edition) (Hardcover) by A.I. Vogel (Author), A.R. Tatchell (Author), B.S. Furnis (Author), A.J. Hannaford (Author), P.W.G. Smith ISBN 0582462363